Connect with us

Formula 1

Monaco GP 2024: High Stakes and High Drama Awaits at the Crown Jewel of F1

The pinnacle of motorsports heads to Monaco, a race every driver wants to win.

Published

on

Monaco GP 2024: High Stakes and High Drama Awaits at the Crown Jewel of F1

The crown jewel of Formula One, the Monaco Grand Prix, is just around the corner, ready to weave its magic on the streets of Monte Carlo on Sunday, May 26th, 2024. This legendary race, known for its tight corners, lavish atmosphere, and yacht-filled harbor, promises another thrilling weekend.

The competition on the grid appears to be closer than ever this season, particularly following Lando Norris’s first win in Miami and his narrow miss in Imola, finishing just 0.725 seconds behind the leader, Max Verstappen.

The Track

undefined

Circuit de Monaco

The 3.337 km Circuit de Monaco is an iconic street circuit located in the principality of Monaco, known for hosting the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. Renowned for its narrow streets, tight corners, and elevation changes, the circuit winds through the glamorous Monte Carlo district, making it one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious racing circuits.

Due to the narrow and tight nature of the circuit, along with wider new-gen cars, overtaking is very difficult here, so grid spot is crucial. Therefore, teams and drivers try to maximize their performance in qualifying.

The driver and car must work hard and in precise synchronization, as the margin for error here is almost zero. The cars also experience very aggressive steering inputs and nearly 3600 gearshifts in the race.

What to expect?

Monaco GP 2024: High Stakes and High Drama Awaits at the Crown Jewel of F1
Charles Leclerc chasing Max Verstappen

In recent races, it’s become clear that both Ferrari and McLaren have narrowed the gap to the dominant Red Bull. This sets the stage for an exciting six-way battle for pole position among Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren drivers. Last year’s qualifying session featured a close competition between Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen, with Verstappen clinching the pole position with a strong final sector, showcasing his speed at this circuit.

Max Verstappen matched Ayrton Senna’s record of 7 consecutive pole positions, which Verstappen may break this weekend, making him the new record holder with 8 poles in a row.

The home hero Charles Lecrlerc will be looking forward to winning the race and ending his bad luck at this venue and Leclerc hasn’t won a race since the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix.

With the recent upgrades, McLaren seems to have a slight advantage over Ferrari. If Oscar Piastri can take the pole his chances of winning his first F1 race are pretty high. Aston Martin will aim to improve their midfield position after losing many points to Mercedes in the last race, with Alonso finishing a disappointing 19th.

Senna tribute continues

In Imola, Ex F1 driver Sebastian Vettel invited all the drivers to pay tribute to the legends of the sport Ayrton Senna and Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger who lost their lives at Imola during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

This weekend McLaren decided to use a special Senna tribute livery on their car in Brazillian colours at the track where Senna was very successful.

Monaco GP 2024: High Stakes and High Drama Awaits at the Crown Jewel of F1

Weather Forecast

As it stands, there is a threat of showers affecting the track on Friday and Saturday, potentially causing some drama in qualifying. However, conditions are expected to be pleasant and sunny for the race.

Monaco GP 2024: High Stakes and High Drama Awaits at the Crown Jewel of F1

Weekend schedule

All the sessions are available to watch live on F1TV and Fancode in India. The detailed schedule in IST can be found below:

Monaco GP 2024: High Stakes and High Drama Awaits at the Crown Jewel of F1
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Formula 1

Monaco GP: Norris Triumphs In The Principality

Lando Norris got his first ever win on the streets of Monaco, something he said is a “childhood dream come true”.

Published

on

Lando Norris celebrates after winning the Formula 1 Monaco GP
Credits: Formula 1

Lando Norris delivered a masterclass at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, securing a crucial win that reignites his title campaign. After a weekend that started on shaky footing, the McLaren driver produced what many are calling “the lap of a generation” to snatch pole position, smashing the all-time Monaco lap record in the process.

On race day, Norris maintained his lead off the line despite a bold challenge from local hero Charles Leclerc. From there, the Briton managed the race expertly until the closing stages, when an unconventional strategy by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen allowed Leclerc to close a previously six-second gap to within striking distance. At one point, the Ferrari was just 0.235 seconds behind, but Norris kept his cool and his lead.

With Verstappen finally pitting on the final lap, Norris had clear air to stretch his legs, setting the fastest lap of the race, nearly three seconds quicker than his pace while stuck behind the Red Bull. It was a statement win on one of Formula 1’s most prestigious stages.

Home Hero Just Misses Out on Repeat Glory

Charles Leclerc had high hopes of repeating his 2024 home triumph, especially after topping all three practice sessions. With Ferrari’s car well-suited to the unique demands of Monaco’s low-speed layout, expectations were sky-high. However, a second-place result in qualifying left him just shy of a clear view.

At lights out, Leclerc saw a glimmer of opportunity at Turn 1 but found the door closed by Norris. Despite closing the gap significantly late in the race, he ran out of laps to make a decisive move. It was a strong result, but not quite the fairytale finish the Monegasque fans were hoping for.

Embed from Getty Images

Verstappen’s Gamble Falls Short

Max Verstappen’s P4 finish tells only part of his story. After being promoted to fourth on the grid following a penalty for Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman found himself leading several laps thanks to an aggressive long-run strategy. Slowing the leaders and hoping for a red flag, Verstappen attempted to steal victory through race interruption, but the miracle never came.

Still, a decent haul of points helps keep him within range in the championship battle. Meanwhile, teammate Yuki Tsunoda endured another torrid weekend. An early collision with Pierre Gasly dropped him to the back, and he eventually crossed the line in P17.

Monaco GP: Norris Triumphs In The Principality
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 25: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505250572 // Usage for editorial use only //

Racing Bulls Execute Perfect Team Strategy

Visa Cash App RB delivered a strategic masterpiece in Monaco. Rookie Isack Hadjar stunned the paddock with a career-best qualifying in P6, while teammate Liam Lawson lined up P9. In the race, Lawson played the ultimate team role, intentionally backing up the field to allow Hadjar a clean pit window and a shot at the front runners.

The result? P6 for Hadjar and P8 for Lawson, the pair’s best result in Formula 1 to date. Smart, calculated, and perfectly executed.

Monaco GP: Norris Triumphs In The Principality
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 25: Isack Hadjar of France driving the (6) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Glenn Dunbar/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505250595 // Usage for editorial use only //

Williams Reaps Rewards for Tactical Play

Williams also benefited from strategic racing, with both cars finishing in the points, Alex Albon in P9 and Carlos Sainz in P10. In a move reminiscent of Racing Bulls, the team slowed the midfield train to manage tire life and track position. Mercedes was caught in this traffic jam, prompting an in-race apology text from Williams Team Principal James Vowles to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

The double points finish marked the team’s best Monaco result since 2005, a testament to the FW46’s growing consistency.

Mercedes Leave The Track Frustrated

Both the Mercedes Boys were involved in the Williams Train after a disappointing qualifying. In a hilarious event, George Russell overtook Alex Albon off track in the Nouvel Chicane. After sitting frustratedly behind a slow Williams for 70 laps, he received a Drive Through Penalty for the violation, and then, after the race, received a second Drive Through Penalty, which was added to his race time.

Antonelli had a similar scrappy weekend; a disappointing qualifying meant he was on the back foot. On Lap 1, he was embarrassingly done around the Hairpin section by the Sauber of Bortoleto, however, an attempt to overtake and regain his position ended badly for the Sauber after he was put into the wall.



Race Results

Standings

F1 Heads To Éspana: Spanish Grand Prix

Formula 1 now heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the final leg of the triple-header. With its mix of high-speed corners and technical sectors, the Spanish Grand Prix promises to be another stern test for both driver and machine.

Norris rides the momentum of a breakthrough win, while teammate Piastri will be eager to reassert his authority in the title fight. Don’t miss what’s shaping up to be a thrilling European summer.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

Continue Reading

Formula 1

Monaco Grand Prix: Formula One’s Crown Jewel

Formula 1 makes it’s stop at Monaco for the second race of the intense triple header.

Published

on

Formula 1 cars at Monaco
Credits: F1

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic and prestigious races in Formula 1. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monte Carlo’s harbour and steep hillsides, this street circuit offers a thrilling blend of glamour, history, and high-stakes racing. The tight, twisty layout makes every lap a challenge, demanding absolute precision and focus from the drivers. With limited opportunities to overtake and no margin for error, success in Monaco isn’t just about speed, it’s about control, timing, and staying off the walls.

About The Track

The Circuit de Monaco is widely regarded as one of the most difficult tracks in Formula 1. It’s narrow, full of sharp corners, and features constant elevation changes. With virtually no long straights, it offers few chances for overtaking, making qualifying performance especially critical.

Drivers must navigate legendary sections like the Fairmont Hairpin, which is the tightest corner on the F1 calendar, the tunnel, and the high-speed Swimming Pool chicane. The track’s bumpy surface and unforgiving barriers leave no room for mistakes, testing the limits of both car and driver from start to finish.

Monaco Grand Prix: Formula One's Crown Jewel

(Credit – f1.com)

Pirelli’s Specifications


For a second consecutive race, Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds from the 2025 range. As in Imola last week, the C4 will be the Hard, the C5 the Medium and the C6 the Soft, with the first two being the mandatory compounds for the race.

This weekend will see an important change to the regulations, specifically for this event only. During the race, two pit stops will be mandatory.

The aim of the FIA and F1 is to inject more excitement into a race that has often been very linear and predictable, as was very much the case last year.

Stories This Weekend

Monaco Curse

Charles Leclerc broke his home race curse by finally winning in Monaco last year, but it’s been a rocky road. From crashes in qualifying to mechanical failures on race day, the streets of Monte Carlo have not been kind to the Monegasque driver in the past.

Although Ferrari’s current performance doesn’t seem to match the pace of McLaren or Red Bull, Leclerc will be aiming to make the most of his local knowledge and qualifying prowess to put himself in a strong position.

In honour of its 75-year partnership with Shell, Ferrari has also made subtle livery changes this weekend.

Max As A Title Contender

Fresh off a commanding win in Imola, Max Verstappen is back in the title hunt. The reigning champion has been steadily chipping away at McLaren’s lead in the standings. A strong qualifying performance in Monaco, ideally a front-row start, will be key to maximising his chances on Sunday.

While Verstappen skipped a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie to focus on sim racing, his focus remains firmly on the track.


McLaren Special Livery

McLaren enters the Monaco weekend in strong form and will run a special livery, albeit with only slight changes to their signature papaya and black colour scheme. The team is targeting a front-row lockout in qualifying and looks poised to continue its run of strong performances.

F1 Movie Screening

A unique highlight ahead of the race weekend was a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie starring Brad Pitt and produced by Lewis Hamilton. The film is expected to boost global interest in Formula 1. Most of the grid was in attendance, except for Verstappen, who chose to stay home for sim racing.

Weekend Schedule

Weather Forecast

Friday: 23°C, Wind 13 km/h, 5% chance of rain
Saturday: 21°C, Wind 11 km/h, 25% chance of rain
Sunday: 23°C, Wind 11 km/h, 17% chance of rain.

The weather looks stable for the most part, allowing teams to collect consistent data throughout the sessions. If a surprise rain shower hits during qualifying or the race, it could shake up the grid in a big way.


Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

Continue Reading

Formula 1

Verstappen Stuns McLaren: Formula 1 At Imola

Published

on

Verstappen Stuns McLaren: Formula 1 At Imola
Credits: Red Bull Content Pool

If the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was Imola’s swan song on the F1 calendar, the circuit made sure to remind everyone why it’s one of the sport’s most cherished and technical venues. From bold overtakes to strategic masterstrokes, this race had it all.

Verstappen’s Bold Opening Move Secures Victory

Max Verstappen once again demonstrated why he’s at the top of his game. Despite narrowly missing out on pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session, he made an audacious move into Turn 1 at the start, sweeping past pole-sitter Oscar Piastri and taking the lead by the end of the first lap.

From that moment on, Verstappen controlled the tempo of the race. Red Bull nailed the strategy calls under both the Virtual Safety Car and full Safety Car periods, allowing the Dutchman to maintain a comfortable gap to the McLarens and clinch a commanding win.

IMOLA, ITALY - MAY 18: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505180621 // Usage for editorial use only //
IMOLA, ITALY – MAY 18: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505180621 // Usage for editorial use only //

McLaren Double Podium: Norris Leads the Charge

McLaren came into Sunday with high hopes, having locked out P1 and P4 on the grid. While Piastri’s early loss of the lead set the tone for a challenging race, it was a mid-race shuffle and an untimely Safety Car that ultimately worked against the young Australian. He was overtaken by teammate Lando Norris, who had a strong recovery from P4, including a gutsy move into Turn 1 to grab second place.

In the end, Norris finished P2 and Piastri rounded out the podium in P3, a solid points haul that keeps McLaren firmly in the title fight.

Embed from Getty Images


Happy Tifosi as Ferrari Charges Forward

The home crowd had plenty to cheer for, as Ferrari put on a show of grit and determination. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton started outside the top ten, P11 and P12 respectively, but clever strategy and racecraft saw them carve through the field.

Hamilton secured his best result for Ferrari to date with a P4 finish, while Leclerc climbed to P6 after some tight battles and smart tire management. Together, they gained a remarkable 13 positions during the Grand Prix, much to the delight of the passionate Tifosi.

Embed from Getty Images



Mercedes Struggles

Despite a strong qualifying performance by George Russell who started P3 thanks to an alternative tire strategy inspired by Aston Martin the race told a different story for Mercedes. Tire temperature issues plagued Russell’s pace, ultimately leaving him to finish in a disappointing P7.

For rookie Andrea Antonelli, the home race turned bittersweet. Knocked out in Q2, the young Italian was running competitively before a mechanical failure ended his race prematurely, dashing hopes of a memorable debut on home soil.


Williams Score Big

Williams Racing delivered one of their most competitive weekends in recent memory. Alex Albon qualified an impressive P7, and his stellar race pace combined with timely strategy calls propelled him past Ferrari’s Leclerc to finish P5 securing 10 crucial points.

Teammate Carlos Sainz, starting P6, slipped two positions over the course of the race but still managed a respectable P8 finish. For a team that had zero points at this stage last season, it’s a monumental step forward.


Race Results


Standings



Monaco Awaits: The Jewel in F1’s Crown

Next up, the paddock heads to the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix. Known for its unforgiving barriers, tight corners, and emphasis on qualifying, it’s a venue where precision reigns supreme. With the title race heating up and multiple teams in contention, expect another enthralling chapter in what’s shaping up to be one of F1’s most competitive seasons in years.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

Continue Reading

Trending